Page 15 of Ice Mechanic

“Do you want anything? My treat.” I offer.

She scrunches her nose and, at first, I think she’ll turn me down. But then she shrugs and says, “My sister might be hungry since we had a light lunch. I’ll come with you, but I’m paying for my own burger.”

I grin because I have zero intentions of letting that happen. However, admitting that might send her skittering back to the truck, so I don’t argue.

The moment I open the door of the diner, there’s a stir. Gasps ripple like a wave with every step I take toward the counter.

“Is that Chance McLanely.”

“Quick take a picture!”

“Is it really him?”

I’m used to the whispers and walk confidently forward but soon realize I’m walking alone. I glance over my shoulder and see Tinkerbell hunkering back.

I tap her on the shoulder. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. By the way, is your name Chance McLanely? Because if it is, I think you forgot to mention that you’refamous.”

“Not a hockey fan, I see.”I chuckle. If she was, she’d have recognized me on sight.

“Not a sports fan in general. Especially if there’s violence and fighting in the middle of a game.”

I cringe. Given her view on violence in sports, her not recognizing me is a blessing. If she’d known about me, about… everything, she probably wouldn’t have bothered to help me with my car.

Eyes alert, she huffs past me and flings herself at the counter.

“I’ll have a double cheeseburger with onions, chopped not sliced. And no mayo please.”

After tossing her order like a star pitcher in a losing game, Tinkerbell ducks her head.

Hissing at me, she demands, “Order and let’s get out of here. I think people are taking our pictures without permission.”

I smirk at her aggrieved tone and look around. She’s right. Everyone has their phones up, recording us.

I walk to the counter and give my order. Sadly, the clerk isn’t writing anything down because she’s too busy staring at me.

“Did you get that?” I ask with a patient smile.

“Sorry. I just… I can’t believe you’re here in Lucky Falls, the town wherenothingever happens. “She bounces on the tips of her toes. “So the rumors are true? You’re playing with the Lucky Strikers this season?”

I smile, not admitting it outright. Max wants to have a big press conference and make a splash of it.

Not that it’ll do him much good, but all publicity is good publicity, I guess.

Stars in her eyes, the cashier shoves a pen and the corner of her work apron at me. “Can you sign this?”

“Sure.” I scribble my name shakily. It’s been a while since a fan has come at me with anything but disdain.

Is it small town hospitality? Or is it that I’ve been so focused on my losses, I hadn’t seen the support that still remained?

She leans in and whispers, “I don’t care what anyone says. You were the best part of every game and they robbed you of that cup. I can’t wait until I see you in the league again.”

My heart warms. “I appreciate that.”

“Let me get your order.” She taps it in when I repeat it and then personally comes around the counter. “I’ll show you to your table. Wait here. I’ll bring your order to you when it’s finished.”

“Thanks,” I peek at her tag, “Shaina.”

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